Antique Tibetan tall bronze butter lamp for a Buddhist altar. Traditionally, the butter lamp would burn ghee. The light of the flame of the butter lamp represents the "wisdom of the awakened mind" and helps to "dispel the darkness of delusion". Most Tibetan household and temple altar displays include a butter lamp. This tall lamp resembles a multi tiered lotus blossom with decorative granulation on the edges...

Antique Nepali Sarangi Musical String Instrument with sublimely rendered tiger and human figures, from the published and renowned collection of Sam Hilu, a prominent author and adviser on traditional Asian art, 27 x 7.5 inches, 68.5 x 19 cm.

Antique Nepali Sarangi Musical String Instrument with sublimely rendered animal and human figures, from the published and renowned collection of Sam Hilu, a prominent author and adviser on traditional Asian art, 29.75 x 7.75 inches, 75.5 x 20 cm.

Antique Nepali Sarangi Musical String Instrument with script and sublimely rendered human and animal figures and representations of modes of transportation, from the published and renowned collection of Sam Hilu, a prominent author and adviser on traditional Asian art, 27 x 8.75 inches, 68.5 x 22 cm.

These two saddle rugs, in knotted pile, are forming a pair and were used together: the larger piece with trapezoid ends served as a saddle cloth (makden), while the smaller rug was a saddle cover (masho). Both items are in their original condition, with a red trim and backed with a coarse beige fabric. Provenance: old Swiss collection. Dimension approx.: makden: 120.5 x 67 cm, masho: 82.5 x 66 cm. Condition: signs of age and wear, rims with partial discoloration, faded.

Fine and rare old rattan “tali” basket with a contracted mouth from the Idu Mishmi ethnic group of Arunachal Pradesh, India. In India they are primarily animist but in China where they are known as the Lhoba they have a strong spiritual affiliations with Tibetan Buddhism. Google “Bamboo and Cane Culture of Arunchal Pradesh” and you will get a good description of this regional craft...

Two antique Indian charms from Tamil Nadu. The larger one is an Araimudi, in the shape of fig leaf and was by worn by young village girls to protect their “modesty”, the smaller one was probably worn as an amulet with a granulated image of a feminine deity. Free shipping via Hong Registered Airmail. Large is H: 6.3cm/ 2.4in x W: 5.3 cm/2in, the smaller one is H: 4.4cm/ 1.7in x W: 3.2 cm/1.2in. Big one is 31 grams and small one 15 grams

Women’s three paneled silk dress circa 1970 to 1990, hand woven from Bhutan. Minor fraying along one side where as well some pinholes and stains. L: 2.3m/90in and W: 1.43m/56in.

Tibetan Himalayan Coral Large Bead, Drum shape, 20mm x 21mm(7/8" x 7/8"). Purchased in Tibet prior to 1980.

Two(2) Tibetan Himalayan large Coral Beads, 24mm x 13mm(15/16" x 1/2"), purchased in Tibet prior to 1980.

Rare antique silver and gold damascened iron ceremonial tea bowl, possibly 13th-14th century, Tibet...

Beautiful old Nepali/Tibetan bamboo box with rattan bindings and metal chain. Bought this in Kathmandu in 1986 and it always been one of my favorite pieces. There are cracks on the outside of the bamboo, but none on the inside. H: 20cm/8in and 9.8cm/3.9in.

Antique Himalayan ritual dagger, phurba, carved of bone with skulls, makara and nagas. Phurba usually have three sides while this one is unusual in that it has two. The purpose of the phurba is it's ritual use to subdue the powers of evil and transform them into positive forces. The various elements of the phurba are symbolic - the lower part (or blade) represents "Method" and the handle represents "Wisdom"...

Collection of 14 Mongolian divination discs. Inks on paper and cloth. Largest 14 cm diameter. Undated, estimated to be late 19th early 20th century. Can be viewed in central London and shipped worldwide.

Bottle with a long stretched neck harmoniously twisted in the shape of a swan's neck. The glassmaker shaped his work with gadroons, a painter decorated it with golden flowers. This type of object was a teardrop intended to receive the tears of ladies when their husbands went to war. The almond shape of the edge adapts perfectly to the eye. These vases were made from the 18th century and throughout the 19th. especially in 1900. Copies are probably still made...

Good Bhutan hand spun blanket. I bought this from a Bhutanese woman sitting at the bottom of the trail to original Tiger Nest, in 1995. Simple but stunning wool embroidered floral and foliate medallions. Made with soft wool (very warm), comprised of two panels, perfect condition. Width: 93cm/37.5in and Length: 158cm/62in.

Charming votive folk embroidery, from the Saurashtra area of Gujarat, made by the Kanbi farmers caste, circa 50/60 years old. The two ply field is woven from all hand spun rough cotton thread; hand dyed silk thread and small glass mirrors. Ganesh is flanked by two female consorts and his “vehicle” of mice beneath him. These are brought out during religious and auspicious festivals, he traditionally has been viewed as the remover obstacles. Excellent condition. W: 54cm/21.1in and H: 56cm/22in...

Burl wood and silver bowl, used for Tsampa, the traditional Tibetan porridge, and for buttered tea. The silver lining plain, the exterior with chased and delicately engraved decoration of flowers. Tibetan silver normally lacks hallmarks and this bowl tested for a silver content of 925 /1000. Probably antique, late 19th or early 20th century. Diameter "4 ½ / 11 cm, height "2 ¼ / 5.7 cm. Condition: fine.